JD Vance Backs Orbán Despite Overwhelming Opposition Victory
JD Vance, the U.S. vice-president, has defended his recent decision to support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s campaign efforts, which occurred just days before the opposition party Tisza secured a decisive electoral win. Vance expressed admiration for Orbán, calling him a “great guy” who had executed a “very good job,” emphasizing his belief in Orbán’s leadership as a rare European figure challenging Brussels bureaucracy.
While acknowledging Orbán’s loss, Vance assured that the United States would “work very well” with the new government, highlighting shared goals despite political differences. Péter Magyar, Tisza’s leader, initially criticized Vance’s involvement, stressing that “no foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections.” Yet, Magyar later admitted the U.S. remains a “strong and important” NATO ally, expressing openness to dialogue if Trump or others reached out.
Tisza’s Triumph and the Road Ahead
Magyar’s party now holds the majority, with preliminary results showing a “super majority” of 137 parliamentary seats. Though final figures are pending, he expects Tisza to solidify its lead. Orbán, meanwhile, will continue governing as a caretaker until Magyar assumes office, with the three parliamentary leaders set to meet President Tamás Sulyok on Wednesday.
Sulyok, tasked with forming Hungary’s new parliament and recommending the next prime minister by May 12, has yet to resign despite Magyar’s call to do so, labeling him a “puppet” of Orbán’s regime. Magyar aims to convene the National Assembly promptly and proposed a new prime minister by May 5, though Sulyok’s office insists he will not step down.
Magyar’s Vision for Reform
Magyar outlined his priorities, including establishing an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency. He also plans to initiate Hungary’s accession to the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office, addressing systemic issues under Orbán’s rule. The new government seeks to unlock €17bn in suspended EU funds and secure additional €16bn in defense loans frozen due to concerns over rule of law and democratic progress.
Magyar criticized Orbán’s tenure, describing Hungary as the EU’s “poorest and most corrupt” member. He pointed to billions lost in state contracts and widespread corruption, vowing to rectify these challenges. In a notable move, he pledged to ensure unbiased media coverage by suspending all news on public channels until state media independence is guaranteed, drawing parallels to the BBC model.
EU Pressures and Tisza’s Next Steps
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Magyar’s commitment to restoring rule of law and aligning with European values, following a discussion on Tuesday. EU leaders are also urging Hungary to lift an Orbán-imposed veto on €90bn in Ukrainian aid, which was critical in the weeks prior to the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, noting Hungary was among three nations that opted out of the loan last December.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the urgency of releasing Kyiv’s aid “very quickly” after the change in government. Merz, who met Magyar in Munich earlier this year, confirmed that the new leader will prioritize Berlin in his international engagements. The transition marks a pivotal moment in Hungary’s political landscape, with Magyar set to appear on public radio and TV on Wednesday as he prepares to take the helm.
“No foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections,” Magyar stated, before revising his stance to acknowledge the U.S. as a key NATO partner. “If Trump or anyone else calls, I’ll speak to them.”
“There is swift work to be done to restore the rule of law and realign with our shared European values,” von der Leyen said, reflecting the Commission’s support for Magyar’s reform agenda.
